The Welsh government plans to invest £20m in a new Advanced Manufacturing & Research Institute (AMRI) and will look to tap into the experience of the team at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to manage it.
The Welsh government hopes the facility at Broughton in North Wales will open in summer 2019 and has said that Airbus has already confirmed as the anchor tenant for the proposed site.
Airbus senior vice-president Paul McKinlay, head of the company’s Broughton plant, said the approval was “fantastic news” not only for Airbus and aerospace but other industries such as automotive.
“The Institute will give a huge boost to the competitiveness of the advanced manufacturing supply chain in Wales and I am delighted Airbus is part of this exciting journey from the very start,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to seeing new technologies and techniques being developed under the AMRI roof and the major benefits they will bring.”
The AMRC has worked with Deeside Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, Swansea University, Sheffield University’s AMRC and Coleg Cambria to develop the new Institute in conjunction with SMEs and large companies.
The Welsh government is in advanced negotiation with AMRC Sheffield to operate the Centre and has recently appointed contractor Galliford Try to manage the construction phase.
The Institute will focus on research into and development of advanced manufacturing techniques and production processes for advanced manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, nuclear and food.
It will also address training and skills needs across industry and a catalyst for growth and jobs across the supply chain in Deeside, North Wales and the Northern Powerhouse.
AMRC CEO Colin Sirett said: “The £20m investment by the Welsh government, combined with the £10m from the project partners, will give an important boost to the competitiveness of the advanced manufacturing supply chain in Wales.”
The Institute will operate as a single entity, split between a proposed 4,500sqm state of the art hub R&D facility in Broughton and a 1,000 –1,500sqm networking, training, business development and advice facility in close proximity to the Deeside Industrial Park.
In developing stronger links with local and regional businesses, the AMRI will (as the AMRC in Sheffield has already done) enhance the development of business conventions, meetings, awards dinners, apprentice dinner awards, enhance regional commercial networks and proactively augment business relationships.
Airbus has predicted the new AMRI could increase GVA (gross value added) by as much as £4bn over 20 years.
Photo shows the AMRC in Sheffield
